Secret Retreats is a collection of unique properties and experiences – including boutique hotels, yachts and riverboats, lodges, villas and camps– located across Asia. A community of independent hoteliers passionate about creating and sharing special moments with guests curious to discover the “essence of Asia”.

Secret Villas

Beautiful in design and perfectly located our Secret Villas are ideal if you are looking to rent an exclusive holiday home in an exotic Asian location with family, or a group of friends, or for a special private function.

Designed, built and adorned with precious artefacts by passionate owners for their own personal use, each of these non-commercial dwellings is a unique sanctuary. Available in varying sizes, for both short and long term stays, each full-service villa includes a private chef, butler service, and other enticing amenities.

Secret Tables - creative local flavors

Every destination in Asia has a handful of magical restaurants usually known only to the locals or the seriously epicurious, these are the Secret Tables. Like a personal recommendation from a friend you can trust, discover our collection of unique, personally handpicked independent restaurants whose core values embrace sustainability, fair wages and career paths for young local people.

Travel Packages

If you are looking for inspirations for travels, we have designed some itineraries and packages enhancing the essentials for each destination. Our hosts live on site and open their door to welcome you! Whether you travel solo, in couple, in family or with friends, we strive to offer you memorable experiences and to travel differently, through the heart of Asia.

Previously a traditional Thai rice barge transporting cargos of rice, sugar and sand up-river from Bangkok to remote riverside towns, this boat was later converted into a touring riverboat. Today, it has been re-modelled into a luxury private river cruising vessel. The approach to its new design honours traditional Thai architectural materials. It features a handsome hull and deck of solid wood, a timber shingled and natural woven bamboo grass covered roof, timber panelling, woven rattan, and luxurious modern-day amenities on both the upper and lower decks.

Please click here to view full schedule for the private charter cruises on the Chao Phraya River between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Contact our Secret Retreats concierge for all enquiries and to book your cruise and/or your stay pre/post cruise: dream@secret-retreats.com.

Cabins (2 units)

Cabins (2 units)

PICTURES >

Below deck, two large guest suites provide generous onboard accommodation. Both suites include separate bathrooms finished with European fittings. Air conditioners are artfully concealed, and glazed windows can be opened to allow full natural cross-ventilation and daylight as desired. The master suite can also be converted into a meeting room setting for onboard entertaining or small group conferences. All elements of the boat, from the mechanical to onboard safety equipment, are specified to the highest levels of quality.

Responsible Tourism

Local Knowledge

Benefit from our local knowledge and passion for our homes to personalize your stay.

Exclusive Offers

Exclusive deals and offers, and join the ‘Voyage’ loyalty program to enhance these deals.

Vessel Facilities & Highlights

Deck: On the main upper deck, open and shaded areas provide casual lounge style seating and star-lit dining for intimate groups of 2 or 4, or a party of up to 30 guests.

Cuisine: Savour delightful cuisine, snacks and drinks in the covered dining area or alfresco under the stars.

Manfred Ilg

Your Host & The Team

“Welcome onboard the luxury rice barge NAMTHIP. It is a unique floating home experience. Some 50 years back, this vessel transported rice from the North of Thailand to the central part of the country. Since then, it has seen various transformations from rice barge to passenger boat with 10 cabins but without an engine (back then it was towed by another boat), to a cruise ship with 8 cabins, to today’s luxury cruiser with just 2 air-conditioned cabins. I wish you a wonderful journey and an amazing voyage along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.”

“Namthip is a 2-cabin rice barge that is available for private charters (cocktail, dinner cruise or overnight cruise) between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. The friendly Thai crew look after all your needs, while you decide the pace you want to cruise and the places to stop.”